2023 Strategic Plan
Our Mission
To improve the health, education and vitality of the Ottumwa area.
Guiding Values
Courageous
collaborative
Honest
inclusive
respectful
trustworthy
Our Role
We recognize and embrace the critical role that we can play in the community as a catalyst for positive change.
Strategic Priorities
We will:
- Support effective economic development strategies that stimulate business recruitment, retention and expansion
- Identify opportunities to fill employment gaps and increase the number of individuals living and working in Wapello County
- Collaborate with partners to equip the community with resources necessary for a healthy economic environment
We will:
- Support programming that increases the number of individuals with degrees, diplomas, certifications and licensure
- Advance efforts that provide exposure to post-secondary pathways and career opportunities in Wapello County
- Partner with education entities in their pursuits to provide excellent and innovative learning opportunities to all students
We will:
- Build and enhance perception, pride and image of Ottumwa
- Leverage City resources to spur economic development and quality of life offerings through riverfront and park activation
- Promote opportunities for residents to participate in the social, economic and civil life of the community
We will:
- Support the efforts of partners to remove or rehabilitate deficient housing
- Partner with various entities to increase the local inventory of quality housing at all levels
- Through research and collaboration, identify strategies to elevate local home values, strengthen neighborhoods and eliminate barriers for redevelopment and home ownership
Ongoing grant programming in alignment with mission to strengthen local nonprofits and strategically leverage resources for community impact.